The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) welcomes the signing of an above inflation wage agreement with Bidvest South Africa Container Depot (SACD). We are the only union with the right to negotiate and we represent over 150 workers, out of approximately 250 staff.
We were on the verge of a strike at Bidvest because we had already deadlocked, and we were preparing to get a strike certificate. However, during the Conciliation with the CCMA we were able to find one another and avert a strike.
The major success which we achieved is that NUMSA negotiated for 32 workers who were earning R7289 per month and were graded A1, to be converted to A3. We were able to point out that because this group of workers were doing the same work as workers in grade A3 their salaries should be the same because the responsibilities and duties are similar. This had the impact of collapsing Grade A1 so that these workers can be converted to A3 and it means their wages will increase by 18% for the first year of the agreement! They will have their wages increased every year for the next three years until their salaries match up to A3 workers, who are currently earning R12028. This is a major achievement for the union!
The rest of the agreement is broken down as follows:
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NUMSA has secured a 6% increase across the board for the rest of the workforce
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Other employment conditions and benefits remain unchanged.
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A National Forum will be set up within 6 months of signing the agreement to deal with Company PPE, Medical aid and company transport.
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The settlement agreement is valid for one year from 1 July 2024 until 30 June 2025
This agreement and the increases that have been secured will apply to all workers at Bidvest. And this is why it is important that all employees at Bidvest must join NUMSA in their numbers, because we are a militant union that has a proven track record for improving the benefits and conditions for the working class.
NUMSA continues to be a sword and a shield for workers and their families because we always fight for a living wage.
ENDS.
Issued by Irvin Jim
NUMSA general Secretary
For more information, please contact:
Phakamile Hlubi-Majola
NUMSA National Spokesperson
0833767725
NUMSA Head Office number: 0116891700
NUMSA Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NumsaSocial
NUMSA Twitter account: @Numsa_Media
NUMSA Website: https://numsa.org.za/
PDF DOWNLOAD: NUMSA welcomes the signing of 18% wage increase for the lowest paid workers at Bidvest SACD!